M&P 5.7: Features, Performance, and Comparison Guide

Smith & Wesson entered the 5.7x28mm market with the M&P 5.7 pistol, bringing innovative technology to compete with established options like the FN Five-Seven. The M&P 5.7 features a unique Tempo Barrel System with a rotating 5-inch barrel that uses gas operation to enhance accuracy and control when firing the high-velocity 5.7x28mm cartridge.

The pistol offers 22+1 capacity in standard configuration, making it one of the highest-capacity handguns in its class. Smith & Wesson designed this firearm with practical features including an optics-ready slide, ambidextrous controls, and a flat-faced trigger for consistent shooting performance.

Gun enthusiasts considering the 5.7x28mm platform now have another option that combines Smith & Wesson's manufacturing experience with modern engineering. The M&P 5.7 represents the company's effort to capture market share in the growing 5.7mm segment while offering features that differentiate it from existing competitors.

Key Takeaways

• The M&P 5.7 uses an innovative rotating barrel system called Tempo that improves accuracy through gas operation

• Standard capacity reaches 22+1 rounds with optics-ready capabilities and ambidextrous controls

• Smith & Wesson's entry competes directly with established 5.7x28mm pistols through unique engineering approaches

Key Specifications and Core Features

The M&P 5.7 centers around the high-velocity 5.7x28mm cartridge and offers a 22+1 capacity through its innovative magazine design. Smith & Wesson's proprietary TEMPO barrel system sets this pistol apart from traditional designs.

Overview of the 5.7x28mm Cartridge

The 5.7x28mm cartridge delivers high velocity and flat trajectory performance. This round was originally developed for military and law enforcement applications.

The cartridge offers several key advantages:

• High velocity: Typically exceeds 2,000 feet per second

• Low recoil: Manageable recoil impulse for rapid follow-up shots

• Flat trajectory: Minimal bullet drop at extended ranges

• Penetration capability: Effective against body armor when using appropriate ammunition

The 5.7x28mm round weighs significantly less than traditional pistol cartridges. This weight reduction allows for higher capacity magazines without excessive weight penalties.

Ammunition availability has improved as more recreational shooters adopt the 5.7 cartridge. Multiple manufacturers now produce civilian-legal variants of this round.

Capacity and Magazine Design

The M&P 5.7 holds 22 rounds in its standard magazine plus one in the chamber. This gives shooters a total capacity of 22+1 rounds.

The magazine design maximizes capacity while maintaining reliability. The slim profile of the 5.7x28mm cartridge allows for this high round count in a manageable grip size.

Key magazine features include:

• 22-round capacity: Higher than most competing 5.7mm pistols

• Polymer construction: Lightweight and durable materials

• Reliable feeding: Engineered for consistent ammunition delivery

• Drop-free design: Magazines release cleanly when the release is activated

Smith & Wesson's design packs two more rounds than competing models at a lower price point. This capacity advantage provides tactical benefits for both recreational and professional users.

Action and Tempo Barrel System

The M&P 5.7 uses Smith & Wesson's innovative TEMPO barrel system. This design differs significantly from traditional pistol actions.

The system operates as an internal hammer-fired, gas-operated, locked-breech mechanism. The rotating 5-inch barrel provides enhanced accuracy and reliability.

TEMPO System Benefits:

• Improved accuracy: Rotating barrel design enhances precision

• Consistent performance: Gas operation ensures reliable cycling

• Reduced felt recoil: System design manages recoil impulse effectively

• Enhanced durability: Locked-breech action handles high-pressure cartridges

The TEMPO system represents a departure from standard M&P designs. Smith & Wesson developed this specifically for the unique ballistics of the 5.7x28mm round.

This gas-operated system cycles more reliably than blowback designs. The locked-breech action provides better accuracy by keeping the barrel aligned during firing.

Design, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

The M&P 5.7 features a polymer frame with steel slide construction and incorporates Smith & Wesson's signature ergonomic improvements over competing 5.7x28mm pistols. The grip texture provides adequate control while slide serrations and strategic lightening cuts enhance both function and balance.

Frame Materials and Slide Construction

The M&P 5.7 uses a polymer frame construction typical of modern striker-fired pistols. The frame measures just over 2 inches wide and incorporates a full Picatinny rail for accessory mounting.

Smith & Wesson finished the steel slide with black Armornite coating for durability and corrosion resistance. The slide measures just over an inch in width, making it notably narrow for easier concealment.

The pistol features an internal hammer-fired action rather than a striker-fired system. This design choice follows the original FN Five-seven's operating mechanism while incorporating Smith & Wesson's proprietary improvements.

Key Specifications:

• Frame: Polymer construction

• Slide: Steel with Armornite finish

• Width: 1.1 inches

• Action: Internal hammer-fired

Grip Texture and Control Surfaces

The grip features moderately aggressive texturing that provides adequate purchase without being overly abrasive. This texture pattern covers the grip panels and extends to key contact areas for consistent control.

The grip design accommodates the long 5.7x28mm cartridge, making it deeper than standard 9mm pistols. An adequate beavertail protects the shooter's hand while allowing a high grip.

A slight undercut beneath the trigger guard enables shooters to achieve a higher grip position. The trigger guard itself uses full polymer construction following M&P series standards.

Control placement prioritizes accessibility for average-sized hands. The reversible magazine release and ambidextrous slide stop/release can be operated without grip adjustment for most shooters.

Slide Serrations and Lightening Cuts

The slide incorporates well-defined serrations on both front and rear surfaces. These serrations provide secure grip surfaces for slide manipulation during loading and malfunction clearance procedures.

Smith & Wesson added serrations along the top middle section of the slide to reduce glare and improve sight alignment. These functional cuts serve dual purposes for both performance and aesthetics.

Two prominent lightening cuts appear at the top of the slide near the ejection port area. These cuts reduce slide weight and likely improve balance during the firing cycle.

The pistol features an oversized ejection port to ensure reliable brass extraction. This large port opening works in conjunction with the lightening cuts to optimize the slide's mass distribution for the 5.7x28mm cartridge's ballistics.

Barrel and Suppressor Compatibility

The M&P 5.7 comes with a factory threaded barrel designed for direct suppressor attachment. Several rimfire suppressors work well with the 5.7x28mm cartridge due to its small bullet diameter and moderate pressures.

Threaded Barrel Details

The M&P 5.7 features a factory threaded barrel with standard 1/2x28 threading. This threading matches most rimfire suppressors and many pistol suppressors on the market.

The barrel extends beyond the slide when fully assembled. This design provides adequate thread engagement for secure suppressor mounting.

Some users have reported concerns about bore alignment with certain M&P 5.7 pistols. The barrel sits inside a threaded shroud, so proper alignment depends on manufacturing tolerances.

Checking bore alignment before first use prevents dangerous baffle strikes. A qualified gunsmith can verify alignment using proper gauges.

Suppressor and Muzzle Device Options

Multiple rimfire suppressors work effectively with the 5.7x28mm cartridge. The best 5.7 suppressors include both dedicated rimfire cans and some pistol-caliber options.

Popular choices include:

• Banish 22: 4.1 oz, titanium construction, $549

• Dead Air MASK-HD: 6.6 oz, titanium and stainless steel, $469

• SilencerCo Sparrow: 6.5 oz, stainless steel, $374

• SilencerCo Switchback: Modular design, multiple configurations

Rimfire suppressors typically cost less than centerfire pistol suppressors. They handle the 5.7x28mm cartridge well due to its relatively low pressure compared to traditional pistol cartridges.

Direct thread mounting works best for the M&P 5.7 since it has a fixed barrel. No piston system is required like with tilting barrel pistols.

Performance and Range Experience

The M&P 5.7 delivers consistent accuracy with zero malfunctions across extensive testing. The gas-operated TEMPO barrel system provides notably soft recoil that allows for rapid follow-up shots.

Accuracy and Reliability

Testing shows the M&P 5.7 averaged around 2-inch groups when shooting 10-round groups at 7 yards. This performance held steady with both practice ammunition and defensive rounds.

Accuracy Results:

• American Eagle 40gr FMJ: ~2 inch groups

• FN 27gr hollow point: Slightly under 2 inches

The pistol demonstrated perfect reliability during testing. Over 500 rounds fired without a single malfunction, including periods of rapid fire that heated the slide and barrel significantly.

Magazine function proved flawless throughout testing. The steel magazines locked back consistently on empty and dropped cleanly when released. Reloads required some adjustment due to the narrow magazine profile compared to standard pistol magazines.

The optics-ready slide accepts Shield RMSc footprint red dots. However, co-witnessing with iron sights is not possible due to the low mounting position.

Recoil Management and Handling

The 5.7x28mm cartridge produces exceptionally manageable recoil in the M&P 5.7. Shooters describe the recoil as falling between a 9mm and .22 magnum in intensity.

The gas-operated TEMPO barrel system effectively reduces felt recoil by keeping the barrel locked until the bullet passes the gas port. This design allows for rapid target reacquisition.

Recoil Characteristics:

• Minimal muzzle flip

• Soft impulse

• Quick sight recovery

The grip texture provides adequate control under the light recoil forces. The moderate aggressiveness prevents slippage without causing discomfort during extended shooting sessions.

Shooters can maintain accuracy while firing rapidly due to the reduced recoil impulse. The red dot sight returns to target quickly between shots, enabling fast follow-up shots without sacrificing precision.

Comparison With Competing Pistols

The M&P 5.7 competes directly with the FN Five-seven as the premium option in the 5.7x28mm market, while more affordable alternatives like the PSA Rock 5.7 and Ruger-57 provide budget-conscious shooters with viable options.

M&P 5.7 vs FN Five-seven

The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 stands out as notably slimmer than the FN Five-seven at 1.1 inches wide. This makes it more suitable for concealed carry applications.

The M&P 5.7's innovative Tempo barrel system uses a gas-operated, locked-breech design. The FN Five-seven relies on traditional delayed blowback operation. The tempo barrel system makes a significant difference in recoil management compared to other 5.7 pistols.

Capacity and Features:

• M&P 5.7: 22+1 rounds, threaded barrel, direct optics mount

• FN Five-seven: 20+1 rounds, adjustable sights, universal optics plates

The M&P 5.7 costs around $700-800 MSRP. The FN Five-seven commands approximately $1,500, making it significantly more expensive for similar functionality.

Market Alternatives and Value

The PSA Rock 5.7 offers exceptional value at $400 with 23+1 capacity. This makes it one of the most affordable entries in the 5.7x28mm market.

The Ruger-57 provides middle-ground pricing at $800 MSRP. It features fiber optic front sights and ambidextrous safety controls. All four major 5.7 pistols offer similar barrel lengths around 4.7-5 inches.

Key Comparisons:

• Most affordable: PSA Rock 5.7 ($400)

• Best trigger: M&P 5.7 with crisp break and short reset

• Highest capacity: PSA Rock 5.7 (23+1)

• Most expensive: FN Five-seven ($1,500)

The M&P 5.7 balances price, features, and performance better than premium alternatives. Its gas operation system and slim profile differentiate it from delayed blowback competitors.

Smith & Wesson Brand and Aftermarket Support

The M&P 5.7 benefits from Smith & Wesson's long-standing reputation in the firearms industry and growing third-party support. Current aftermarket options focus mainly on grip enhancements and basic accessories, though specialized parts are becoming available.

Smith & Wesson Heritage and Reputation

Smith & Wesson has operated as a leading firearms manufacturer since 1852. The company built its reputation through decades of producing reliable pistols, revolvers, and rifles for law enforcement, military, and civilian markets.

The M&P series represents Smith & Wesson's modern striker-fired pistol platform. This line has gained acceptance among professional users and civilians alike since its introduction in the mid-2000s.

Smith & Wesson's established dealer network provides nationwide support for warranty service and parts availability. The company maintains quality control standards that have earned trust from shooting sports competitors and defensive carry users.

The M&P 5.7 continues this heritage by incorporating the proven M&P frame design with the innovative Tempo barrel system. This combination delivers Smith & Wesson's traditional reliability in a new caliber platform.

Accessory and Parts Compatibility

The M&P 5.7 shares some components with other M&P pistols but requires specific parts due to its unique 5.7x28mm chambering. Midwest Gun Works carries replacement magazines, sights, and installation components designed specifically for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

The M&P 5.7 pistol features a 5-inch barrel with 22-round magazine capacity and uses Smith & Wesson's unique gas-operated Tempo barrel system. Common concerns include initial break-in reliability and customization through optics mounting and threaded barrel accessories.

What are the main specifications of the M&P 5.7 pistol?

The M&P 5.7 pistol weighs 26.7 ounces unloaded and measures 8.5 inches in overall length. The pistol stands 5.25 inches tall and just 1.1 inches wide.

It features a 5-inch barrel with a 1:9 inch twist rate. The barrel uses Armornite finish for durability.

The pistol operates on a gas-operated, locked breech system with an internal hammer. This differs from traditional blowback designs used in other 5.7mm pistols.

The trigger breaks at approximately 4 pounds with a flat-faced design. Various models include optional manual thumb safety features.

The grip features textured polymer construction. A Picatinny rail section runs underneath the dust cover for accessories.

How does the M&P 5.7 compare to other handguns in its class?

The M&P 5.7 challenges the FN Five-seveN MRD Mk3 as the dominant 5.7mm pistol. The FN Five-seveN retails for $1,509 compared to the M&P 5.7's $699 MSRP.

The Smith & Wesson uses a gas-operated system while competitors like the Ruger-57 and PSA 5.7 Rock use traditional blowback operation. This makes the M&P 5.7 softer shooting with less felt recoil.

The M&P 5.7 matches the magazine capacity of most competitors at 22 rounds. However, it weighs slightly more than some alternatives due to its steel barrel and gas system components.

Testing suggests the M&P 5.7 is the most comfortable pistol to shoot in the 5.7mm category. The gas system reduces the snappy recoil typically associated with the 5.7x28mm cartridge.

Can you detail the magazine capacity and caliber options for the M&P 5.7?

The M&P 5.7 chambers only the 5.7x28mm cartridge. No other caliber options exist for this pistol platform.

Two 22-round magazines come standard with each pistol. The slim 5.7x28mm cartridge allows this high capacity in the narrow 1.1-inch grip width.

The cartridge base diameter measures just .313 inches. This small size enables the high magazine capacity without increasing grip thickness significantly.

Magazine compatibility remains limited to Smith & Wesson factory magazines. No aftermarket options currently exist for increased capacity.

What holsters are recommended for carrying the M&P 5.7 comfortably and securely?

The M&P 5.7's dimensions require holsters specifically designed for this model. Generic M&P holsters will not accommodate the longer slide and different proportions.

The 8.5-inch overall length makes this a full-size duty pistol rather than a concealed carry option for most users. The 1.1-inch width helps with concealment despite the length.

Major holster manufacturers have begun producing options for the M&P 5.7. These include both inside-the-waistband and outside-the-waistband designs.

Users should verify holster compatibility with optics if mounting red dot sights. The pistol comes cut for optics with a modified RMSc footprint.

Are there any known issues or recalls for the M&P 5.7 that users should be aware of?

Some users report initial reliability issues during the first 30-50 rounds. These include failures to feed and occasional stovepipe malfunctions.

The reliability issues typically resolve after the break-in period. Most pistols function flawlessly after the first box of ammunition.

Gun store owners report confusion about included optics plates. While the pistol comes optics-ready, Smith & Wesson plates may not be included in all boxes.

No official recalls have been issued for the M&P 5.7 series. The pistol comes backed by Smith & Wesson's lifetime service policy.

What customization options are available for the M&P 5.7?

The threaded 1/2x28 barrel accepts standard 9mm suppressors and muzzle devices. A knurled thread protector comes included from the factory.

The optics-ready slide uses a modified RMSc footprint. This accepts many micro red dot sights without additional adapter plates required.

The Picatinny rail accommodates weapon lights and laser attachments. Both short and long accessories fit the rail section.

Internal modifications remain limited due to the unique gas-operated system. Traditional M&P aftermarket triggers and internal parts may not be compatible.

Grip modifications follow standard M&P patterns. Aftermarket grip panels and magazine extensions may become available as the platform gains popularity.